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Javier Cabral

Editor for James Beard Award-winning L.A. TACO. Associate Producer for JBA-winning Las Crónicas Del Taco. Former restaurant scout for Jonathan Gold. Co-Author of “Oaxaca: Home Cooking From the Heart of Mexico (2019, Abrams) and “Asada: The Art of Mexican-Style Grilling” (2023, Abrams).

Seven Indigenous Truths From These Native Community Leaders

We sat down with Indigenous revolutionaries, Sean "The Sioux Chef" Sherman, and L.A.'s own Odilia Romero and Alfonso Martinez to reflect on native wisdom. These were some of their universal truths.

October 14, 2024

Meet Mid-City L.A.’s Third-Generation Oaxacan Baker, Who Still Makes Traditional Hand-Drawn Pan de Muerto

As an increasing number of Dia de Muertos fans begin to build their altars this year, establishments like this bakery, owned by a third-generation panadero, still makes pan de muerto the painstaking hand-drawn way, making it as crucial as ever in Los Angeles. 

October 8, 2024

Eight Sick Halloween Haunts In Los Angeles

From a theater experience that will scar you to a chance to play a character in a Halloween haunt, we have seven of the most immersive experiences in the city for your Halloween terror.

October 3, 2024

L.A.’s First Craft Molino Opens Today, Marking a Milestone In the City’s Taco Life

This groundbreaking, one-stop masa shop features ethically sourced white, blue, and red heirloom corn from Oaxaca and the state of Mexico. Tortillas, tostadas raspadas, and masa by the pound will be available for purchase, along with a small but mighty antojitos menu that features regional dishes never before seen in Los Ángeles.

September 25, 2024

Bestia’s Former Chef de Cuisine Opening a Taquería with a Full Bar —Stumbling Distance to Dodger Stadium—In Echo Park

Tuna tostadas with an Urfa chile salsa negra, confit duck mole, micheladas with pickled mussel, and more await you at this new taquería on Sunset Boulevard. And yes, it’s within walking distance to Dodger Stadium.

September 17, 2024

Four Places to Eat and Drink Your Way Through Mexican Independence Weekend In L.A. (and Long Beach)

Despite L.A. being the home of the second largest population of Mexicans—that counts Mexican-Americans as well, by the way—after Mexico City, it has never been known to go as hard for actual Mexican Independence Day on September 16th as it does for Cinco de Mayo. But these four places are going all out!

September 13, 2024

Inspired By One of Oaxaca’s Best Street Foods, This Taquiza Is Bringing Chicharrón-Topped Suckling Pig Tacos to L.A. (and O.C.)

The pork is marinaded in a secret recipe for ten hours and roasted for four hours until it falls apart. They top it with crumbled chicharrón that they puff up themselves, a habanero salsa, and taquería guacamole. They just started offering an outstanding suadero that is confit in beef tallow, longaniza drippings, and lard until it gently crisps up like a beef version of carnitas.

September 12, 2024

The L.A. Food and Drink World Mourns Jose “Chuy” Tovar, a Community Legend, Dead at 55

L.A.’s taco life lost one of its most beloved personalities, Jose “Chuy” Tovar, who died in a car accident at 55 on Monday afternoon. A GoFundMe has been set up by his family.

September 11, 2024

16 Master Mezcaleros Are Gathering in L.A. for A Once-In-A-Lifetime Tasting, Including Two Oaxacan Legends

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to pull this off again ever in my life," Ivan Vasquez says. "To pull producers from northern, central, and southern regions of Mexico—including sotol and raicilla [distillers]—under one roof."

September 5, 2024